If you’re facing an air conditioning repair job, you may be wondering how much is too much to pay for an AC repair need. While it really depends on the type of work being completed, we do have some general rules that we recommend you follow when it comes to air conditioning repairs. For starters, look for early AC repair signs so you can catch problems before they become costly.
You can keep reading to learn more about how to judge whether or not AC repair charges are fair as well as when you should skip out on repairs and invest in a brand-new air conditioner instead. Then give our team a call when you need to schedule an AC repair in Glendale and we will be there to help.
When is an AC repair too expensive?
An AC repair is considered too expensive if it costs more than 50 percent of the price of a new system. If your unit is over 10 to 15 years old and frequently breaks down, replacement is often the better long-term solution. These factors help determine when repair is no longer cost-effective.
Smart Tips Before Paying for AC Repairs
If you have an air conditioning problem pop up that you need to address, your first step is to call for service and figure out what’s going on. At that point, the technician will offer you an explanation of what is wrong along with a plan for fixing it. Simple and inexpensive problems make sense to invest in right away.
But if you receive an estimate for a very expensive or highly involved AC repair, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. Have a different company or contractor visit your home to assess the problem and offer their own outline for service. Then you can make a better decision about what to do. Keep in mind that many times air conditioning repairs are in fact very expensive.
Having someone offer you a very low quote is just as much of a red flag as someone offering you a very expensive quote. You can also do your own research online to figure out how much the type of service generally costs. Then you have to use your best judgment in selecting someone to make the repairs for your air conditioner. Understanding common summer AC issues can help you evaluate whether a quote seems fair or if it’s worth getting a second opinion.
When Replacing Your AC Makes More Financial Sense
There are times when air conditioning repairs are so expensive that it simply doesn’t make sense to invest in a repair for your older unit. Once your air conditioner is between 10 and 15 years old, it becomes more and more likely that an upgrade is in the near future. Spending thousands of dollars on repairs might not offer a great return on your investment.
Instead, you could put that money into a new unit that has a long lifespan ahead of it and a manufacturer’s warranty in place for any unusual repair needs that come up. As a general rule, we recommend that you not spend more than about 50% of the cost of a new air conditioning unit on any one repair job.
Of course, it’s also possible that you are facing frequent repairs every month for a few months. In this case, you want to add up the expenses over the period of time to see how much your older air conditioner is costing you. Upgrading to a new air conditioner can save you money over making frequent repairs. Plus, with a more efficient air conditioner, you’re also saving money on your monthly energy costs. If you’re considering a replacement, get the facts about AC upgrades to make a more informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How much should I expect to pay for an AC repair before it becomes “too much”?
Answer: Industry guidelines suggest you shouldn’t spend more than about 50% of the cost of a new AC unit on any single repair. If the repair approaches or exceeds that threshold, it may be more economical in the long run to replace the system.
Question: What is considered a “normal” cost range for common AC repairs?
Answer: For typical repairs such as cleaning a drain line, replacing a capacitor or thermostat, or handling a minor leak, you can usually expect costs in the $150 to $650 range.
Question: When does an AC repair become expensive enough to reconsider repairs altogether?
Answer: When the fix involves major components, for example compressor or coil replacement, costs can climb above $1,000, and sometimes into the $2,000 to $3,000 range. At that point, especially if the system is older, replacement may be the wiser choice.
Question: Apart from cost per repair, what other expense patterns indicate it might be time to replace the AC system?
Answer: If you find yourself needing frequent repairs over a short period, the total maintenance expense may exceed the value of a new system. Also, older units tend to require pricier or harder to find parts, which boosts labor and repair costs.
JMS Air Conditioning and Heating has your back. Call us today to schedule an appointment for AC repair in Glendale, CA!
